Cyproheptadine
What is Cyproheptadine for?
Cyproheptadine is a sedating (first generation) antihistamine that can relieve allergic symptoms from hay fever (rhinitis), allergic conjunctivitis due to inhaled allergens and foods and mild allergic skin conditions such as hives. Because it is sedating, it can also help with sleep disturbances caused by itchiness.
How to use it?
Cyproheptadine can be taken by mouth as syrup or tablets. Adults usually take 4-20 mg 3 times a day (every 8 hours). The maximum daily dose is 32 mg.
Who should not take Cyproheptadine?
- People who are allergic to Cyproheptadine or any formulation component
- Newborn, premature babies or breastfeeding mothers
- People who are on monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Patients with angle-closure glaucoma or acute porphyria (a blood disorder)
Pharmacist Tips:
- Many antihistamines are available in combination products. Pay attention to the active ingredients when you are choosing over-the-counter medicines for self-treatment. Do not overdose.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond to Cyproheptadine.
- Elderly patients (>65 years old) may be more sensitive to the side effects of Cyproheptadine.
- Young children may have excitation after taking Cyproheptadine.
- If you have an enlarged prostate, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Cyproheptadine.
Common dosing schedule:
You can take Cyproheptadine with or without food.
Take Cyproheptadine at night if you become drowsy after taking the medication. (Daytime sedation can be relieved by taking non-drowsy antihistamines as alternatives.)
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Cyproheptadine may interact with:
- Alcohol
- Antipsychotics, e.g. Aripiprazole, Clozapine
- Buprenorphine
- Hypnotics, such as benzodiazepines (e.g. Lorazepam, Midazolam), Zopiclone, Zolpidem, Chloral Hydrate
- Opioid analgesics, e.g. Morphine, Tramadol
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
Where to buy Cyproheptadine in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Cyproheptadine is an over-the-counter medicine which can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Cyproheptadine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
- 4mg (Tablets)
- 2mg/5ml (Syrup)